TCJE in the News

Press Contact: For all media inquiries, please contact Madison Kaigh, Communications Manager, at mkaigh@TexasCJE.orgor (512) 441-8123, ext. 108.

 

Focus of probation shifts from punishment to rehabilitation for non-violent drug offenses

Focus of probation shifts from punishment to rehabilitation for non-violent drug offenses

Seven years ago, Terry Brudos pulled his truck into the probation parking lot in Georgetown. He finished up a final toke of methamphetamines, put down the pipe and walked in to meet with his probation officer.

Read the rest of this article at the Midland Reporter-Telegram.

The Texas Criminal Justice Coalition Welcomes New Policy Director, Shakira Pumphrey

The Texas Criminal Justice Coalition Welcomes New Policy Director, Shakira Pumphrey

Effective November 16, 2015, the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition (TCJC) announces Shakira Pumphrey as its new Policy Director.  In this role, Ms. Pumphrey has strategic and operational responsibility for generating and coordinating TCJC’s research and policy work.
 
Read the rest of this press release here.

Black Lives Matter Searches for its Next Step

Black Lives Matter Searches for its Next Step

More than two years after the heat of anger over Trayvon Martin's shooting in Florida fused into Black Lives Matter, an Austin chapter is trying to mold its energy into an agenda to influence state lawmakers.

Read the rest of this article at The Texas Tribune.

Temper Risk and Needs Assessments With Positive Youth Development

Temper Risk and Needs Assessments With Positive Youth Development

Taken on the surface, risk and needs assessments inherently undermine the principles of PYD. But, when used intentionally and carefully, using risk and needs assessments within a PYD framework could ensure better outcomes for youth and communities.

Read the rest of this article at the JuvenileJustice Information Exchange. 

Nearly 600 early release prisoners headed to Texas

Nearly 600 early release prisoners headed to Texas

AUSTIN — Prisons across the country will release 6,000 inmates early and nearly 600 of them, are headed to Texas.

Read the rest of this article at KXAN.

Report: Expanding Drug Diversion Programs Would Improve Safety and Save Tax Dollars

Report: Expanding Drug Diversion Programs Would Improve Safety and Save Tax Dollars

A new report from the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition suggests there are economic and social benefits to expanding Harris County’s drug diversion programs.

Read the rest of the article at Houston Matters.

Texas prison rehabilitation revolution catches eye of UK justice minister

Texas prison rehabilitation revolution catches eye of UK justice minister

You might expect a foreign visitor eager to learn about the penal system in the Lone Star State to head for the Texas Prison Museum near Houston, to check out the star exhibit.

Read the rest of this article at The Guardian.

The Fair Sentencing and Fair Chances National Tour Heads to Austin

The Fair Sentencing and Fair Chances National Tour Heads to Austin

The Coalition for Public Safety and Right on Crime took the Fair Sentencing and Fair Chances National Tour to Texas yesterday, hosting a public event at the Texas Public Policy Foundation in Austin.

Read the rest of this article at The Coalition for Public Safety.

Getting Outside the Box: Should a criminal record mean a life sentence of unemployment?

Getting Outside the Box: Should a criminal record mean a life sentence of unemployment?

Most people, when filling out a job application, accentuate the positive. But for the nearly 12 million Texans with criminal records, there's one question that's not so easily spun: Have you been convicted of a crime?

Read the rest of this article at The Austin Chronicle.

Why Latinos Are Leading the Charge to End the Drug War

Why Latinos Are Leading the Charge to End the Drug War

Each year, the United States observes National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is celebrating the month this year by launching Somos DPA, an online tribute that recognizes the “significant and far-reaching” contributions of Latino drug-policy reformers to end the war on drugs.

Read the rest of this article at PanamPost.